We introduce a general class of interest rate models in which the value of pure discount bonds can be expressed as a functional of some (low-dimensional) Markov process. At the abstract level this class includes all current models of practical importance. By specifying these models in...

In this paper we address the pricing of double barrier options. To derive the density function of the first-hit times of the barriers, we analytically invert the Laplace transform by contour integration. With these barrier densities, we derive pricing formulae for new types of barrier options:...

In this paper we show that contrary to the claim made in Longstaff, Santa-Clara, and Schwartz (2000a) and Longstaff, Santa-Clara, and Schwartz (2000b) discrete string models are not more parsimonious than market models. In fact, they are found to be observationally equivalent. We derived that...

In this paper we show that discrete string models are observationally equivalent to market models. Furthermore, the parsimony of the models is investigated and determined. As a consequence of the observational equivalence we show that discrete string models are a special case of the HJM...

We empirically compare Libor and Swap Market Models for the pricing of interest rate derivatives, using panel data on prices of US caplets and swaptions. A Libor Market Model can directly be calibrated to observed prices of caplets, whereas a Swap Market Model is calibrated to a certain set of...

Cap and swaption prices contain information on interest rate volatilities and correlations. In this paper, we examine whether this information in cap and swaption prices is consistent with realized movements of the interest rate term structure. To extract an option-implied interest rate...

Life insurance products have profit sharing features in combination with guarantees. These so-called embedded options are often dependent on or approximated by forward swap rates. In practice, these kinds of options are mostly valued by Monte Carlo simulations. However, for risk management...

This paper shows that the forward rates process discretized by a single time step together with a separability assumption on the volatility function allows for representation by a low-dimensional Markov process. This in turn leads to efficient pricing by for example finite differences. We then...

This paper provides a dual formulation of the optimal consumption problem with internal multiplicative habit formation. In this problem, the agent derives utility from the ratio of consumption to the internal habit component. Due to this multiplicative specification of the habit model, the...